Montana FWP Commission to Meet in Helena January 10
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks 01.06.13
Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will meet in Helena Jan. 10 to consider final approval of elk management recommendations aimed at reducing the risk of transmitting brucellosis infections between elk and livestock near Yellowstone National Park.
The meeting, set to begin at 8:30 a.m., will be held at FWP’s Helena headquarters, 1420 E. Sixth Ave.
Brucellosis is a contagious bacterial disease than can result in miscarriages in some pregnant animals, including domestic cattle, and bison and elk. Over the past year, a working group of a dozen landowners, livestock producers and hunters led an effort to examine effective elk management options to reduce brucellosis transmission in hunting districts that border or are near YNP.
The recommendations are focused on keeping elk away from high risk areas where they could comingle with cattle—or in unusually high concentrations—that could increase disease transmission risks. Officials stressed that a program to test elk and then cull those exposed to brucellosis is not under consideration.
The commission’s agenda also includes commercial fishing and permit regulation proposals for Canyon Ferry Reservoir and Lake Helena, near Helena; and an informational presentation on northwestern Montana’s Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ Water Rights Compact.
For the full agenda and additional information, visit FWP’s website at fwp.mt.gov. Click “For Commission Information.”
FWP ensures its meetings are fully accessible to individuals with special needs. To request arrangements call FWP at 406-444-3186.
